The Lord, my
Strength
By Peggy Kleckner
“The LORD is my
strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
Psalm 28:7a
I
was invited to a birthday party. That sounds fun, even as an adult, doesn’t
it? Especially when it is for a dear
friend who loves you, and you know quite a few of the others who are invited.
So why, on the day of the party, was I feeling fear and anxiousness?
I
had to ask myself that question and let God answer it. He and I have been
walking together for some time now, and the review of my journey brought some
revelation. Years ago, a party meant drinking.
While in that phase, I hid behind alcohol. No one had to see the real
me. Drinking gave me something to do at
the party, and whatever behavior someone didn’t like, I could blame on the
alcohol. Thankfully, I lived through that phase of my life, surely by His
grace. I have also hidden behind words. That may sound odd to you, but think
about it for a few minutes: Don’t you know people who talk incessantly? I am one of those people. God has helped me
to recognize that this has been a defense. If I just keep talking about a topic
of my choosing, no one can ask me something I don’t know or about anything I
don’t really want to discuss. It also feels safer behind a great shield of
words. However, this is surely wearing on others and leaves the talker very
lonely. Lonely, because we won’t let anyone in to find the real us.
I
have even hidden behind my husband; he seems to be better at mingling. Perhaps
he is applying some of these defenses as well, but at least two feels safer
than being a one. Unfortunately, this is hunting season and he was not
available.
My
final defense has been food. At least eating gives you something to do,
something to focus on. God has been dealing with this habit, as well. Spending
the night on a nonstop munch was not a choice that God would approve of.
Suffice
it to say, this was a test. Not a test for me to pass or fail, but one where
God could show me just how far He has brought me. The people were gracious, the
evening was delightful, and I accepted His strength in place of my former
addictive behaviors. May His name be
praised.
“My
heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” Psalm 29:7b
GOING DEEPER:
1. What situations make you anxious?
2. Are you
willing to trust God to lead you into new healthy behaviors?
FURTHER READING:
Peggy is a wife and
mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active
encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield. She serves as the Coordinator of
Fresh Start.
